Two words. SLOW DOWN. Three more words. HUG YOUR DOG. I guarantee you’ll feel good. So, in this blog post we’re talking cuddle therapy with your dog and embracing it is another way to enhance your self-love language.
WHAT IS CUDDLE THERAPY
Cuddle therapy is the act of using physical touch to provide comfort and connection. Studies suggest that humans need four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve hugs for growth. These embraces release oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which decreases stress and cultivates feelings of peace and happiness. So, cuddling with your dog is a great way to release more of those love hormones.
WHY WINTER IS A GREAT TIME TO CUDDLE WITH YOUR DOG
If you ask me, every season is a good season to get some quality cuddle time with your dog. But here are five reasons to add winter cuddle sessions with your dog to your calendar.
IT’S COLD
I’m always cold. So, as the weather gets colder, I’m either bundled up in layers or underneath a blanket to keep warm. As the temperature drops snuggling with your dog can provide your lap with some extra warmth on top of your favorite cozy blanket.
WINTER BLUES SEASON
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also known as the “Winter Blues.” The Mayo Clinic defines SAD as a type of depression related to changes in the season and begins and ends at about the same times every year, usually when there’s less sunlight. Those winter blues are real and cuddling with your dog is a simple way to create a feeling of happiness and well-being.
LESS TIME SPENT OUTSIDE
It’s officially “Once I’m in, I’m not going back out” weather. So, I’m spending more time in the house and walks with Sugar are limited to quick potty breaks. Cuddling is a great way to create some indoor bonding time with your dog when it’s too cold to be outside.
SEASON OF REFLECTION
Speaking of spending more time indoors, ‘tis the season for reflection. With the holidays, new year celebrations, and slower pace, people tend to be more reflective. More importantly, it gives us the opportunity to find little ways to practice gratitude. Cuddling with your dog during the winter months allows you not only bond with your dog, but also show more appreciation for your bond.
HOLIDAY STRESS
The holiday season can be hectic. Especially, if you’re running around doing errands to get everything in order. Cuddling with your dog is a great way to release stress and anxiety as you make get ready for the holiday season.
5 WAYS TO CUDDLE WITH YOUR DOG IN THE WINTER
Now that we have the excuse to slow down, get cozy, and cuddle, here are some creative ways to do so.
INDOOR PUPCAKE PICNIC
Indoor picnics are a great way to cuddle during the colder months. Lay on your favorite blanket, get some of your favorite dog toys, set up your pupcake barkcuterie board, and let your dog snuggle right on your lap.
MOVIE NIGHT
Watch a movie with your dog cuddling on your lap. Fun fact. I named Sugar after one of my favorite movies, Brown Sugar. So, it’s only fitting that Sugar and I spend at least one winter night watching it as she cuddles on my lap.
READ YOUR DOG A STORY
Your dog loves to hear your voice. As silly as it might sound, spend a few minutes with your dog laying in your lap while you read her a story. You can even give your dog a pupcake to eat before your cuddle time. Pupcake Soul: Recipes to Celebrate Us and a Few Stories to Go with Them have a few quick stories your dog may love to hear. Especially, since they’re tied to a pupcake recipe.
HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON
Spend a few extra minutes in bed cuddling with your dog. It gives you an excuse to hit the snooze button a few more times. Plus, it gives you a chance to bond with your dog before you start your day.
CUDDLE BEFORE BEAD
Sugar insists on sitting next to me for a few minutes every night before she jumps into her bed for the evening. Cuddling with your dog before bed is a nice way to end the day on a positive note and another way to bond with your dog before the day is over. Let your dog sit next to you for a few minutes before both of you get in the bed.
WHAT ABOUT THE PUPCAKES
Speaking of pupcakes, cuddling and carob go hand and hand (or shall I say paw) for a winter session. So, Carob Pupcakes with Carob Peanut Butter Cream is a great pupcake to add some extra sweetness to your cuddle session.
I love chocolate, and barely go a day without having it. However, chocolate is toxic for dogs. These pupcakes smell amazing and take on the safe chocolate substitute for chocolate loving dog moms. The carob aroma is sweet and sensual. The scent also creates a sense of well-being, reduces depression symptoms, and can get rid of the tired feeling. In addition to getting a few good stories to read to your dog, you can also get the recipe for these Carob Pupcakes with Carob Peanut Butter Cream in our eBook, Pupcake Soul: Recipes to Celebrate Us and a Few Stories to Go with Them.
‘Tis the season to slow down. Cuddle therapy with your dog is a fun way to bond and a great way to cater to your mental and emotional health. It’s also a great way to create some special bonding moments and stories with the dog you love. What’s your favorite way to cuddle with your dog? How do you include pupcakes? We’d love to hear your story. Share your pupcake cuddle stories with us @pupcakesugar.
